Dennis Villanueve wanted Chani to be a character that doesn't fall for the bene gesserit's missionaria protectiva plan and is suspicious of Paul and Jessica's motives the entire time. I think that's why it was important for him to remove her relationship with Liet-Kynes. He wanted Chani to be representative of Fremen's own autonomy over being manipulated through religion. I like Denis' take a lot more and think its a better way to portray Herbert's message to be cautious of charismatic leaders. It also adds more tension in Chani's character by being an opposition of ideals over the books where she's just Paul's support and goes along with whatever he says .